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A resolution recognizing May 2025 as National Foster Care Month in Nashville and Davidson County.
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WHEREAS, National Foster Care Month provides an important opportunity to raise awareness of the needs of the more than 391,000 children and young people in foster care; and
WHEREAS, National Foster Care Month was first observed in 1988 when President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation in recognition of both foster parents and foster children in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the first Tuesday in May is also considered National Foster Care Day, when people are encouraged to wear blue to support youth in foster care; and
WHEREAS, a 2024 State of the Child in Tennessee report found that more than 5,200 foster youth resided in Tennessee and more than 800 youth aged out of foster care in the state in 2023; and
WHEREAS, to support those in foster care, the Tennessee General Assembly passed Senate Bill 1015 in April 2025; and
WHEREAS, the bill was drafted and advocated for by Ella Brinen, a Nashville teenager and Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools graduate who aged out of foster care; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Brinen used her own experiences in the foster care system to call for change and lead the passage of the bill, which ensures children in state custody have the right to education, housing, and medical care. The bill also ensures children can contact legal representation without restriction and can report violations of personal rights without punishment; and
WHEREAS, the General Assembly separately passed House Bill 103, which extends transitional services for former foster youth from age 21 to age 23; and
WHEREAS, it is the job of all residents of Nashville and Davidson County to protect the best interests and welfare of foster children in our community; and
WHEREAS, it is also the role of the community to mourn the loss of those youth who die while in foster care, acknowledging their inherent value as human beings and remembering their lives as a parent would; and
WHEREAS, organizers plan to dedicate the third Sunday in May to memorialize youth who have died in foster care; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper for the Metropolitan Council to recognize the thousands of youth in foster care in Tennessee, their foster parents, and those who advocate for their best interests and welfare during and after their time as foster youth; and
WHEREAS, it is further fitting and proper to honor and remember those who have died while still in foster care.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing May 2025, as National Foster Care Month in Nashville and Davidson County.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.